Trudy thanks so much for the update on Slavika's DH. The news is I agree with Lily so uplifting. I could telll from your post that you had a smile in your voice the whole time you wrote. You are a good friend for Slavika . Thank you for being there for her. We all wish we could give her a big hug along with our good wishes.

My DD husband is on the mend. Even tried to go to work today but I guess because of all the rain they weren't building swimming pools. So he got one more day to rest.

When I talked with my DD today she was telling me about the all school reuinon they had in town last weekend. She's been out of school 20 years. I can hardly say it.20 years! Any way she was just all smiles and bubbles in her voice when she told me how it was great to see all her old friends and not be FAT. It was good to hear her sound so happy. She was always so skinny in school but like the rest of us bad habits come back to bite you in the butt!

Talking about hair color. I did buy a bottle of lightest golden brown. Wish me luck!! All this blond has got to go. As for the 3 inch roots I can asure you that won't be happening.

Ann I meant to tell you that your hair looked great. You all should see her, she claims to to the oldest of us all but she sure doesn't look it.

My DH made me an appointment with a foot doctor on Friday. I was walking in the mall yesterday and by the time 1 hour was up both my hips hurt because I was favoring the sore heel. Wonder what I will be told .

Gee Karen - You made my day with your compliment about my hair and looks. Most days I don't feel my chrolological age and I have a birthday coming up in
September. Don't even want to count it.But we will be flying to Cape Cod for DH 55th
college class reunion on my birthday, so have to consider that a gift. We will be going out to dinner that night with his classmates.

His PT is really helping him a lot. His first course is over and now we have to make contact with his Dr. so it can continue. I'd hate to have him lose all the help it has been giving him.

Karen_ Do you have a heel spur? Glad to hear that your son-in-law is feeling much better. That West Nile can be scary stuff and Lyme disease is nothing to fool with either, and to have them both

I am a bit disappointed that I won't make the goal I set for myself for Labor day, but those last 8lbs are so hard to get rid of. It can be discouraging, but I am not going to quit. I seem to be earning about 6 or 7 activity points most days. Sometimes I use them and sometimes not. I do have trouble staying within my points (22) without going over. Anyone have any suggestions? I am careful with my measurements of food, most of the time. When we go out to eat it is hard sometimes to judge the portion sizes.

Slavika: I'm so happy for you that things are going well. You are blessed with such a loving family, and with a friend like Trudy.

I am just horrified to be hearing about all the damage from Katrina. So many deaths and they haven't even finished with the searches yet. One of the Gulfport Casinos was swept right across the road. It is hard to imagine 35 or 30 foot waves. And then I think that sometime, something like this could happen in our area. What we went through last year seems insignificant when compared with what has happened over there in Mississippi and Louisana.

Hi everyone - Hope you are all having lovely bright sunshiny days. Ann

P.S. Got my crown re-cemented. That caramel turned out to be worth $68 dollars. I will sure be careful with them from now on. : And it was a sugar-free one to boot, not even one of the really good ones. If I had to do such damage, I would rather have had one that was full of calories and sugar. : Ann

Trudy thanks for the update on Slavika. I came by the other day when she posted but didn't have time to post. I just can't imagine what he must be going through. You are a good friend. Bounce class sounds like fun. I will have to try sitting on my ball while on the computer.

Maria I loved that picture. Matty is such a cutie pie and your dd is pretty.

Glenda your couples weekend sounds like a good time.

Karen glad that your sil is on the mend. A couple of people in this area have had West Nile also. Hope your heel is better.

Ann those last 8lbs will go eventually. They say the last ones are the hardest to get rid of. Have you ever tried the Wendie Plan? I don't know much about it -something about changing your points from day to day. Maybe try doing some different exercise to shake up your metabolism. I am sure that Karen and Lily have better ideas.

It is pouring rain thanks to Katrina. I am afraid to check the basement. When it rains this hard it usually leaks a little. A big tree branch is in the front yard. Going to have to dry it out and use it in our chiminea on some cool night. We like to sit out by the fire and have a glass of wine. My hair got the family gene that started turning gray in my 30's so I made it blonde. Now it is white but I get it colored once a month. I wish I had Gloria's curly hair. No matter what I do and use it usually goes straight. Tried a perm a few times but then it frizzes. Been cleaning today-have to go to work tomorrow.

We have had a very stormy night with widespread damage but thank goodness nothing to what you are experiencing due to Katerina The news pictures are horrendous with the devastation that Katerina has inflicted on you.
We have a little calmer weather today and I had no damage in my garden other then a few pots 'flew' around the place.

Ann what an expensive caramel You asked for any suggestions re your weight....I have none really...some days it is a breeze staying well within the points and other days it is virtually impossible
I always think that if I was not doing what I was doing, I would be the size of a house...at least now whilst not at my ideal weight, I am generally not putting on either.

KarenFEET they are the bain of my life and certainly can make life miserable. I would imagine you will probably get some orthotics, whilst they have not alleviated all my problems they have certainly helped.
Good luck.

Peggy chimneas are gaining popularity (and complaints ) here as well. Have you had yours long and does it create a lot of smoke? It is probably not a good thing for close density living.

I have been looking after Matilda whilst ds has been getting treatment for his football injury. It has only been for a few hours and I have still been able to get all my work done. DS says he will be able to play again in a fortnight time, the grand final, but I cannot see that happening. I think he is retiring a season too late

I was talking to a friend today, as she said that she cannot wear dress shoes anymore. What is it that happens to our feet as we age? My ankle is still a problem (since beginning of May). I do the exercises and the ice and it still swells and hurts me all the time. I find that I don't have as much strength in my left leg anymore. Now I read that a lot of you have continuing problems as well. Maria calling your feet "the bain of your life" sums it up perfectly.
It is hard not to spend a lot of time watching CNN and the coverage of Katrina's aftermath. The looting, car jacking, and people being threatened with guns just adds to the misery.

The looting, car jacking, guns. I don't get it. Why do some just keep the misery going. Is it not enough that all those people have no home and no place to go. Men dying on the interstate. One lady was about to give birth and no help. And all some so called people can think to do is make it worse. I don't get it.

Ann I'm not sure if I have a heel spur. I've been told that is what it probably is. One lady told me that's what happens when you get old. I'll let you know what the doctor says.. Was it you who said you got a cortisone shot? Did It hurt????????

Not much to cheer about this morning...how devastating Katrina has been and still is We would not see as much on our news servcies as what you do but what we are seeing is unbelievable.
The looting and the gun toting, it is all too much. The thought of not being able to return to your home (what's left of it) for 3 to 4 months must be just unbearable when all you would want to do is salvage what you possibly can.

I just HAVE to end on a brighter note.....

Today is the first day of spring for us

I have attached one of my favourite flowers, hope it will cheer everyone up!

A couple of times I have received notice that my emails to you are being delayed and I received another notice this morning and here's what it said. I don't know what that means. I'll be back later today to "talk" to you all.

Recipient address: amscholz*********
Reason: unable to deliver this message after 1 day

All, I am trying to refrain from going to CNN because my outlook has gotten so bleak. I don't know if those of you who aren't in the US are hearing that much, but the situation is just so desperate. And, these are US citizens. Sounds and looks just like a third-world country, doesn't it? I am not even going Democrat-Republican here. I just want something done NOW. Anyway, just have to get off that subject. Last night we watched the stupidest movie that was on network TV, "Shanghai Knights." It was just what the doctor ordered.

Slavika, we are all so happy that your DH is home. Now you can give him your kind and gentle touch in his own home. He sounds like he is doing great. It has been a road so far with a ways to go, but I hope the worst is over. Trudy is such a good friend. We are all relieved here.

Regarding hair color, somedays I like being a brunette and somedays I think, Who is that person in the mirror? But I usually think that. That person in the mirror is some old hag these days.
Glenda

Tomorrow is the weigh-in day again. last week didn't go because of the church retreat, so I have to deal with two weeks. I just don't want to gain. The last time I weighed in I was up .6 and I sure don't want to be up any more.

I have been getting an average of 5 or 6 activity points at least 4 days a week, and I have been using some of them. Haven't gone overboard, but I'm thinking when I exercise that much, I probably need more. Our leader says sometimes we don't lose because we don't eat enough. Hard to believe.

Glenda: I hear you, about wanting relief to take place NOW. It is hard to come to terms with how slow the wheels move to get things in place. And sadly, the news reporters do seem to dwell on the macabre sometime.
A young lady from our church is going to be going with a team from her business. She works for an environmental company, and there will certainly be a place for their expertise. Also our local hospital is sending a truckload of medical supplies to the hospital in Biloxi.

It is hard to understand the frustration that people must be feeling, running out of food and water. I don't understand shooting at the rescue helicopters, and it is hard to lay that to frustration. I guess that this sort of thing brings out either the best or the worst in people.

Want to share this with you, from our Curves Women in Motion paper.

A Dog's Advice for the dog days of summer.
Take these to heart.

1- Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily.
2- Stop to lie on your back in the grass.
3- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
4- Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
5- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
6- Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
7- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Maria- Loved your flower picture. My garden has suffered from heat and too much rain, and I have abaout decided that I need to dig it all up and start over again. I think I will wait for some cooler days, tho'.

We are getting rain and thunder right now, once again, but the forcast is for a nice dry weekend. That will be good. On Labaor day we will be having breakfast at the clubhouse, and then later in the evening dinner and entertainment/dancing for those who want to.

It is hard to believe that September is here. The summer just flew by. I must admit that I don't like the shorter days. Never did, and it is much worse up north, when I used to go to work in the dark and come home in the dark.

We get a lot of US coverage on our Canadian TV, and also have CNN which is all US so we know as much as you do. JUST AWFUL, some things I have seen has made me cry. No one seems to know why it is taking so long to get those people rescued. Our Federal Leader and our Provincial Leader have offered help, but so far they haven't heard back.
On Tuesday night we went to see "The March of the Penguins" with friends of ours. What a delightful movie. It was produced by National Geographic and narrated by Morgan Freeman. If you want to see a love story, and incredible endurance; if you want to laugh and cry, this is the movie for you.
Yesterday we were on the go all day and in the evening baby-sat while our DD and SIL went to see Billy Idol in concert. My SIL won box seat tickets for 4 so they took friends with them. Neither of them are Billy Idol fans, but they were familiar with his music and said it was a fun evening. They got home late, which meant we got home even later. I crawled into bed after 1:30 am and had to get up early and go for a CT scan. The contrast dye they injected made me a little sick, but I am feeling better now. Maria I love tulips too, the picture made me wish it were spring here too instead of going into fall. I don't mind Sept and Oct, but find Nov and Dec hard because the days are so short. GREAT NEWSSlavika... so good that your DH is home. He will get stronger and stronger and before long your lives will take on a new normal and he will finally be able to enjoy being retired. You will be even happier than you ever were before and that is saying something.Ann That advice is good rules to live by.Glenda I thought that "old hag" lives at my place... I see her every time I look in the mirror. Oh well, what can we do. As long as our husbands still love us and our family thinks we are great that will have to do. Karen the physiotherapist I had said the "sometimes" cortisone shots hurt, not always. Whoever does it, has the find the right place or else it won't help. So far the doctor isn't ready for me to have one, instead he gave me some exercises to do for 1 month and then we will see where we go. My sister-in-law had heel spurs and orthodics helped her and now her feet don't hurt.

I must be feeling better, all I can think about is food so I had better think of what we will have for din dins before I start nibbling... bye all...

Yes we do get quite a bit in our news services about the devastation and on cable, we do have CNN. We recently got rid of our cable TV so I haven't seen any of the CNN news services.
It is all beyond my comprehension and I feel for the people.
I will say that it absolutely amazes me that it took George Bush 4 days to go to the devastated area to see for himself what has happened.
At times like this I think it is important for a leader to be seen and re assure people that everything is being done.
American politics have always confused me
It seems just amazing that New Orleans may not be rebuilt

Ann it will be interesting to see if you have lost some weight this week. Certainly sounds like you did everything right.
As far as the garden...I have done exactly that, I have ripped out a lot of plants, left my beautiful standard mulberry and a few others but I am virtually starting all over again. At the moment quite a few of the bulbs are starting to flower which makes the garden look not quite so bare.

Glenda I see that old hag as well, though some days she still looks quite attractive I am with Trudy, my life is good, I am content, great husband and kids so why worry too much about the inevitable.

Trudy that is apparently the trick to get that cortisone injection in the right spot. DD had 3 cortisone injections, 2 gave her great relief but 1 just did not hit the spot.
The Billy Idol concert sounds like fun, he is not one of my favourite singers but he did have some good songs and I would think his concert would have been quite good.

Fathers Day here tomorrow so we are going out to lunch with ds, his wife and her family. I am determined to switch off to the other grandmother and just let her nurse and do whatever she likes with little Matilda.

I am in agreement with the rest of you about how long it took our goverment to get off the pot and do something. Finally today it seems as if help has arrived. But they had to shut down when it got dark to many thugs with guns are roaming around. Hopefully things will begin to get a bit better now

My youngest son and his wife have bought a larger house. They will move in on Oct 4th. They told me they moving from a match box to a hotel! Today is also their 10th anniversary. That seems to rare these days too. We are excited for them and for us because there is a room for Mom and Dad when we go up north.

Ann yesterday I did just that I spent about an hour cleaning out my flower beds. I moved a couple of flowers to the other one after I cleaned it out too. Now i have one completly bare. Not sure if I'm going to put in more flowers or flower bushes. Might just let it go to grass and let the lawn service deal with it. I gotta tell you it was hot out there and sticky. it was about 10:00 in the morning. I worked with several breaks in front of the fan. Finally took off my glasses the sweat was running in every direction and then my hearing aids didn't want them wet either. By the time i was don I looked like a wreck not even as good as a hag! But it is done. my next project is the flower bed beside the shead. I already know that one is going to be shortened. Maybe that is why the scale showed me a lose of 3 pounds this week!

My trip to the foot doctor didn't hurt. I do have a heal spur. I came home with Celebrex and some exercises to do along with alternating ice cold and warm soaks. Have to do this for a month and see what happeneds. Glad I didn't get a shot.

Maria I meant to tell you that was a cute picture.

I did my hair and I'm still getting used to it. I should sen you all a picture and get your opinion. Beware!